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New programme helps local companies access business opportunities
Archived news: published on Friday 30 Jan 2009 by Fife Council
FIFE Council has joined a successful partnership which will help companies in the Kingdom identify and access new business opportunities in the public sector.
The Scotland-wide Supplier Development Programme is a partnership of Scottish councils who aim to work with businesses to improve their performance in winning public sector contracts.
Public sector organisations across Scotland spend approximately £8 billion a year tendering for goods and services so there are many opportunities for businesses to bid for and win public sector contracts. But the sheer scale and complexity of the sector can sometimes make it difficult for companies to enter the public procurement market. This problem is felt most acutely by small and medium sized businesses.
And with significant projects like the Commonwealth Games looming on the horizon, joining the programme will have significant benefits for businesses in Fife explained Councillor Tony Martin, chair of the environment, enterprise and transportation committee.
He said: "Many businesses across Fife are looking to grow and diversify in undeniably difficult economic conditions. Those businesses are not only having to adapt quickly but to target new markets. Given the amount of spending power in the public sector this gives businesses amazing opportunities but also significant challenges in negotiating the maze of processes and procedures that different organisations operate.
"By joining the Supplier Development Programme we are demonstrating that we are committed to working with the private sector and improving their procurement opportunities not just with Fife Council but the wider public sector."
Alan Russell, Chief Executive, Fife Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise said: "This is an excellent new initiative and I would urge all Fife Businesses to sign up as it offers support and guidance on how to access public sector contracts. Many firms, particularly smaller ones, find it difficult to break into the public sector contract market but once they have they can explore a much wider range of opportunities to grow their business."
Fife companies can register with the Supplier Development Programme and take advantage of information, support, news, events and workshops covering a variety of procurement issues. They can also access the buying procedures of all the partner organisations.
Locally, Fife Council will deliver events themed on the Commonwealth Games 2014, e-procurement and business development training. One of the first events will be a guide to procurement - a Scottish perspective.
Councillor Martin said: "In Fife we already deliver a very successful, popular market development programme. The combined efforts of both programmes will ensure that we are fulfilling our commitment to improving local conditions for economic development."
For more information contact
Cllr. Tony Martin, Strategic Chair: Environment, Enterprise & Transportation CommitteeTel: 08451 55 55 55 + Ext 44 21 50 Contact Tony Martin online
By Post: Fife Council,
Pamela Stevenson, Lead Officer (Enterprise Development)
Tel: 08451 55 55 55 + Ext 47 38 21 Fax: 01383 602542 Contact Pamela Stevenson online
By Post: Fife Council, Kingdom House Saltire Centre, Pentland Park, Glenrothes, KY6 2AQ
